Following the hike in the cost of transport fares, residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, have appealed to the state government to revive its free or subsidized bus service initiated during the last Christmas season.
The residents appealed that they are currently grappling with severe economic constraints, as transport fares have become unbearable, especially as the Easter season draws closer.
In many fuel stations across the state, the pump price of petrol has risen to as high as N1,350 per litre.
This sharp increase has resulted in a corresponding increase in transport fares, leaving many commuters stranded and forced to adopt other strategies, including trekking long distances under the scorching sun.
A survey conducted by our reporter in Calabar, revealed the extent of the fare hikes within days of the fuel price adjustment.
Commuters traveling from 8 Miles to Watt Market now pay N700, from the previous N500, while the fare from Ekpo Abasi to Watt Market has jumped from N200 to N300.
Read Also:
- Calabar Gas Explosion: Governor Otu orders free treatment, promises compensation for victims
- World Consumer Rights Day: Cross River Agency destroys expired drugs, Food, cosmetics in Calabar crackdown
- Calabar Refuse Crisis: Residents protest waste heaps as Governor Otu orders urgent clean-up
The situation has become increasingly unbearable for low-income earners as residents continue to lament that daily commuting has become a significant struggle.
“I spend almost double what I used to spend on transportation every day,” Tony Etim, a journalist, said, adding that “it’s affecting my news coverage and other basic needs.”
For many, the only way to balance their daily budget is to avoid public transport altogether for portions of their journey.
Ekpo Eyo, a secondary school teacher, explained that he has to now drop off halfway and trek with his children the remainder of his route to save money.
“The sun is harsh, but I don’t have a choice. Transport fares are too high,” Eyo added.
Commercial drivers, while being criticized for the hikes, argue they are also victims of the economic climate, and checks at various motor parks indicate that high fuel costs have left drivers with slim profit margins, necessitating the fare adjustments to remain in business.
To this end, many commuters point to the relief provided during the last Christmas season as a model for what is needed now.
While urging the state government to act quickly, they pleaded: “We saw what the government did during Christmas when buses were provided for residents.
“With the current situation, they should bring it back for Easter to reduce the suffering.”
